Do Gators have answers to questions that will posed by No. 19 Hurricanes? | Analysis

GAINESVILLE — Florida’s visit from No. 19 Miami on Saturday in the Swamp has a make-or-break feel.

A victory would provide season-opening optimism for Billy Napier. A loss would rekindle doomsday scenarios for the third-year coach.

Neither result or reaction might have staying power against a schedule featuring seven subsequent preseason Top-25 foes. But perception is reality when a program is coming consecutive losing seasons featuring just two wins in 11 meetings with ranked opponents.

“We understand,” Napier said. “One of the things about this group of players: They’ve got pretty good awareness. They understand the magnitude of the game.”

UF has won 33 straight home openers, but is a 2.5-point underdog against Miami, which has talent and motivation following a 7-6 season.

In-state rivals coming off disappointing finishes have questions and concerns entering their first meeting in Gainesville since 2008.

How does Miami QB Cam Ward handle the Swamp?

The Gators’ crowd has overwhelmed many talented signal callers.

Future stars Joe Burrow of LSU and Bo Nix of Auburn each threw 3 interceptions during losses in 2018 and ’19. Eight years ago, Missouri’s Drew Locke averaged a league-high 335 passing yards when he arrived, but produced just 39 along with a pair of pick-sixes.

During the Gators’ 29-16 win against Tennessee in September, the Swamp rattled quarterback Joe Milton III and caused five false starts and two wasted timeouts during the Vols’ opening second-half drive.

Next up Ward, one of the top quarterback targets in the transfer portal.

Few have his experience or track record, including 13,874 passing yards and 119 touchdowns during two seasons each at Washington State and FCS Incarnate Word.

“I feel I’ve been watching Cam Ward forever,” Napier said.

Never at either school did the 22-year-old…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-answers-questions-posed-no-230000152.html

Author : Orlando Sentinel

Publish date : 2024-08-27 23:00:00

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